The Internship That Taught Me the Cost of Hiding

At 20, I landed a coveted summer internship at a top NYC law firm—a dream opportunity. I was eager to prove myself.

Three weeks in, the senior partner called me in. I stood nervously in the doorway.

"Ruth, did you ever go to kindergarten?"

I froze.

"Because if you had, you would have learned how to use scissors!"

I looked at my work—jagged, uneven cuts. A mess. What he didn’t know? I had been cutting everything with one hand—because I was still hiding my limb difference.

Instead of asking for help, I doubled down on hiding. I snuck into conference rooms, worked late after everyone left, and even hid in the dark basement of the office to finish my project in secret.

I completed the internship. But I missed out on friendships, connection, and growth—all because I was hiding.

What if, instead of shaming me, that leader had asked:

"How can I support you?"

That moment taught me: hiding is exhausting and lonely. It holds us back.

Today, I help leaders create psychologically safe workplaces where employees unhide, contribute fully, and thrive.

Because when people stop hiding, performance, innovation, and connection soar.

For 25 years, I lived with a secret—not because I wanted to, but because I thought I had to. Born with a limb difference, I learned early on that hiding it seemed easier than explaining it. I mastered the art of tucking my left hand away, posing in photos, slipping it into pockets, and perfecting movements that made it almost invisible. I became a con artist in my own life—presenting as someone with two hands when, in reality, I had one.

But hiding came at a cost—exhaustion, loneliness, and disconnection—not just from others, but from myself.

Then, everything changed.

I realized hiding wasn’t protecting me—it was holding me back. And I wasn’t alone. Hiding is universal. So many of us conceal parts of who we are—our struggles, our fears, our differences—out of a need to fit in or avoid judgment.

That realization transformed my life.

I stopped hiding. I stepped into my authenticity, found my voice, and embraced my uniqueness. And in doing so, I unlocked freedom, connection, and possibility.

Now, I help others do the same.

Through speaking, writing, coaching, and leadership development, I guide individuals and organizations to break free from the limitations of hiding—so they can show up fully, build stronger connections, and thrive.

Because when we unhide, we don’t just change our own lives—we change the world.